Combined elastic and spring stretcher



(No Model.)

. R. H- SHANNON.

COMBINED ELASTIC AND SPRING STRETGHERQ N0. 263,819.

Patented Sept. 5

Jmn/Zm".

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

RICHARD H. SHANNON, OF BRIDGEPORZ OONNECTIGUT.

COMBINED ELASTIC AND SPRING STRETCHER.

SPECIFICATIGN forming part of Letters Patent No. 263,819, dated September 5', 1882. Application filed May 4, 1882. (No model.)

NON, a citizen of the United States, residing at Bridgeport, in the county of Fair-field and State of Connecticut, have invented a new and useful Combined Elastic and Spring Stretcher, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in stretchers in which I combine an elastic framework, to which is attached canvas for the support of the body, in the usual form, and a supplemental piece of the same drawn over arms of a curve, so that it will form a continuous support to the shoulders, neck, and head, performing the functions of a pillow, the frameehords connected with springs that operate in a vertical and latitudinal direction insuring against jolts or jarsin carrying, an elastic straining of the canvas and casters attached to the lower chords of the frame for convenience in moving about, I attain these objects by the mechanism illustrated in the accom panying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a perspective view of the stretcher. Fig. 2 is a front view of the stub-jointed stretching-spring. Fig. 3 is a top view of the frame opened and closed.

Similarletters refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

The frame for the stretcher is made of wood in three pieces, connected together in a Z form, secured together at the points 1 and 2, the upper chords, a and at, having the lifting-handles on one end, the opposite end curved upward to raise the canvas for the pillow. These chords are nicely rounded on their outer edges for the canvas-covering. The center diagonal portion of the frame I) has a handle worked onits outer end, the other beveled to fit the lower chord, c, and the three parts are bolted together. At each end-of the lower chords, 0 c, are secured the plate-sprin gs e and f, the chords a and a resting on the top of these springs. Under the head portion of the stretcher a stoprod, a, is set rigid in the lower chord, c, and a recess in the underside of the diagonal tie b receives its upper end, allowing of working on the rod till the weight of the body will overcome the power of the springs, when it will rest on the rod. Around this rod is placed the spiral spring h, to compensate for the extra weight of the body at that end of the stretcher. To separate the frames A and A the stub-jointed H-formed springs c are attached to the ends 9 g, connected .with the chords to a c c with swivels, the center joint so set that the springs will fold toward the center when the stretcher is folded for stowage. The casters m m are secured to the under side of the chords 0 c, to assist in moving the stretcher into an ambulance or about the room when occupied. The canvast' andj has both edges turned under and securely sewed together, leaving a pocket to slide over the chords a a and curved projections 01 (I. At K eyelets are worked in the canvas 2' and j, and the two parts are laced together.

I do not restrict myself to the use of the springs e, f, and h, but can add others between these, if desired, to regulate the elasticity of the frame.

I do not claim as new the attachment of a piece of canvas to the frame to form a pillow.

My invention consists in the curved form of the chord a at :1, whereby I secure an easy gradual rise to the canvas, that will fit under the shoulders, neck, and head with comfort to the occupant.

It will be readily seen that the separating springs 0 will allow of a quick and easy adjustment of the stretcher for use, or for its being readily folded up for stowage or transportation.

What I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is- 8 5 1. The Z-formed frames A, composed of the chords a and c and the diagonal tie b, with the springs c, f, and h and the stop-rod a, the casters m m, when combined as and for the purpose specified.

2. The stub-hin ged jointed separatin g-spriu gs c e, in combination with the frames A A, when arranged and operated as described and set forth.

3. The combination of the Z-formcd frames A A, with the springs e, f, and h, the stubhinged jointed springs c e, the curved projections d d, and the canvas 2' and j, when arranged as described and shown.

RICHARD HYLAND SHANNON. Witnesses:

E. P. Gnarls, J r., GEORGE L. HUBBELL. 

